Press Release

November 18, 2008

Leica M50 and M80 Routine Stereomicroscopes – A Fresh Face for the

Laboratory and Production Line

Heerbrugg, Switzerland. The new Leica M80 and M50 stereomicroscopes complete the latest, powerful generation of the well-known Leica M series. Featuring superlative optical quality, a well thought-out range of accessories and smooth interplay of all components, they master even unusual challenges with ease.

For repeated examination, measurement, drawing or photography of objects under absolutely identical condi- tions and on exactly the same scales, the Leica M50 stereomicroscope has a magnification range of 6.3× – 40× and precisely reproducible steps. You can set the five easily selectable positions without taking your eyes away from the eyepieces, an effortless way to ensure comparable results.

The printable image can be ordered from: Kirstin.Henze@le- With its 8:1 zoom and switchable ratchet steps, the Le- ica-microsystems.com ica M80 stereomicroscope covers a wide range of rou- tine applications. The long working distance and the brilliant imaging performance enable you to view the finest details of your specimens without losing the overview of large workpieces.

The optical brilliance of the Leica M50 and M80 will impress even the most demanding users. They are reliable partners for years of tough working conditions. The free working distance of up to 303 mm (with the 0.32× achromat objective), the wealth of ergonomical accessories and the clever illumination options are just a few of the arguments in favor of the new Leica M series routine stereomicroscopes.

Dr. Kirstin Henze Leica Microsystems GmbH Tel.: +49(0)6441/29-2550 Ernst-Leitz-Straße 17-37 Fax: +49(0)6441/29-2527 D – 35578 Wetzlar [email protected] www.leica-microsystems.com 1 / 2 Press Release Next generation illumination Leica Microsystems has pursued a consistent policy in its further development of system integration: With the Leica LED3000/5000 family, another central component – the illumination – has been incorpo- rated into the overall system of Leica stereomicroscopes. Leica LED3000 NVI™, optimized for routine stereomicroscopy, provides the ideal solution for examining drill holes, indentations or gun barrels. The brightness, long life and compact design of the LED illumination units open the door to completely new fields of application. Leica LED5000 CXI™ is a fully integrated coaxial illumination in which two built-in high-power LCDs ensure an excellent light yield. The data exchange for reading and controlling the set- tings is conducted over one single cable. In combination with the coarse/fine focus drive, all digital sig - nals are bundled at the foot of the focusing column, digitally processed and sent to the Leica Application Suite (LAS) software.

Whether for industry – e.g. semiconductor technology, plastics development, materials testing – science – e.g. embryology, genetics, microfluidics, geosciences – or forensics: The new Leica M series is suit- able for borderline applications previously inaccessible to conventional stereomicroscopy.

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Leica Microsystems is a leading global designer and producer of innovative, high-tech, precision optical systems for the analysis of microstructures. It is one of the market leaders in each of its business areas: Microscopy, Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy with corresponding Imaging Systems, Specimen Preparation, and Medical Equipment. The company manufactures a broad range of products for numer- ous applications requiring microscopic imaging, measurement, and analysis. It also offers system solu- tions for life science including biotechnology and medicine, research and development of raw materials, and industrial quality assurance. The company is represented in over 100 countries with 10 manufac- turing facilities in 8 countries, sales and service organizations in 19 countries and an international net- work of dealers. The international management is headquartered in Wetzlar, Germany.

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